Fiber burn test
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Description
An easy, quick and accurate method for identifying fibers. The fiber burn test is useful for single component material. For microscopic identification of fibers, please see the Fiber Reference Image Library.
Procedure
1. Select 2-4 centimeters of fibers or yarns that look similar from the fabric in question. 2. Roll into a ball and hold with tweezers over a soft, non-flammable surface. 3. Ignite the ball using a lighter, then remove the flame source. 4. Observe the flame and smoke color, whether the fiber melts continues to burning, ash formation, and odor.
Fiber Burn Tests
| Fiber | Appearance | Odor | Residue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural fibers | |||
| Cotton | Burns very fast with a bright yellow flame, continues after flame is removed | burnt paper | burnt ends look bushy, powdery to touch |
| Linen | Burns very fast with a bright yellow flame, continues after flame is removed | burnt paper | burnt ends appear melted together, powdery to touch |
| Silk | Burns and bubbles faster than wool with a yellow flame | burnt hair (mild) | black, brittle, spherical beads |
| Weighted silk | Does not burn; the fabric will char | burnt hair (faint) | fabric retains shape |
| Wool | Burns slowly; bubbles while burning; easy to put out flame | burnt hair (strong) | black, brittle, irregular beads |
| Synthetic fibers | |||
| Acrylic | Will melt in just the heat and burns readily with smoky flame | acidic, sometimes fishy | hard ash |
| Aramid | Does not burn | ||
| Cellulose acetate | Burns fast with a yellow flame; may melt and sputter | burnt paper, slight vinegar | hard, black beads; similar to silk |
| Modacrylic | Self-extinguishing | ||
| Nylon | Will shrink and melt first, then ignite and burn rapidly. | burnt plastic | unburnt fiber will stretch when warm, hard solid when cool |
| Polyester | Difficult to ignite, self-extinguishing. Burns with shiny, yellow-orange, sooty flame. | sweet, aromatic | hard, dark beads |
| Polyethylene | Burns with a heavy, sooty, waxy smoke. Softens at 120 C. | ||
| Polypropylene | Burns with a heavy, sooty, waxy smoke. | like asphalt | |
| Polyurethane | Burns with bright flame and minimal smoke | ||
| Polyvinyl chloride | Burns with green smoky flame, self- extinguishing. | acidic; releases hydrochloric acid | dark in color, hard and brittle |
| Rayon (regenerated cellulose) | Burns very fast with a bright yellow flame, similar to paper | burnt paper | light, white ash |
| Vinal | Does not burn | ||
Resources and Citations
- Textile School: Fiber Burn Test
- Silver Bobbin Fiber Burn Test